Hasta La Ideas

The kitchen has transcended its traditional role as merely a space for food preparation. Today, considerable attention is paid to its aesthetics, from the choice of cabinetry to the color scheme. A prevailing trend involves integrating patterned tiles into both the floors and walls, transforming them into interesting design elements. Notably, the backsplash serves a dual purpose, not only safeguarding the walls from food splatters but also serving as a canvas for creative expression. Additionally, ensuring the floors are slip-resistant is crucial for preventing accidents and maintaining safety in the bustling kitchen environment.

Designer: Florian Beser

1. Introduce Jewel Tones

Image courtesy of: photocreo

The varied jewel tones of green in the backsplash form an intriguing pattern, beautifully contrasting with the dark charcoal grey cabinets, elevating the kitchen’s appearance. They introduce richness and a touch of biophilia, as the green pattern tiles mimic the appearance of leaves within this compact kitchen unit.

2. Say Yes to Chequered Tiles

Instead of opting for patterned tiles, consider using black and white tiles to craft an intriguing pattern on the backsplash of this all-white kitchen. This choice breaks the monotony of the white kitchen, and the black countertop complements the backsplash tiles. Also, hanging pendant lights from an all-white ceiling can enhance the aesthetic appeal.

Incorporating chequered tiles for the flooring disrupts the off-white and pastel-green kitchen and creates a bold pattern on the floor, offering a striking contrast.

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

In this compact kitchen, the chequered tiles extend seamlessly from the floor to the ceiling, establishing a sense of continuity in the kitchen’s design.

3. Add Geometric Patterns

Image courtesy of: FollowTheFlowStudio

Geometric patterns arranged spontaneously generate a dynamic composition, infusing a vibrant energy ideal for modern and minimalist kitchens.

4. Consider Hexagonal Patterns

Image courtesy of: Vladdeep

The hexagonal pattern, nature’s favorite geometric motif, is showcased through a combination and random arrangement of black and white tiles, forming a stunning composition. This interplay contrasts with the white overhead cabinets, black base cabinets, and wooden countertops.

Image courtesy of: Lobachad

If you prefer to avoid a stark contrast, the hexagonal patterns can harmonize with the off-white overhead and base cabinets. The wall tiles feature a blend of plain and patterned tiles to achieve a subtle appearance, while the hexagonal grid forms the underlying pattern.

5. Beautify with Wall Art

Who says that patterned tiles are solely reserved for backsplashes and floors? Sensory tiles or intricately textured and patterned ones can serve as captivating wall art, elevating the kitchen’s aesthetic. However, if opting for textured tiles, it’s advisable to avoid placing them near the cooktop. The textured surfaces may trap cooking residue, making maintenance challenging over time, which is one drawback to consider.

Designer: Duffy London

The Abyss Wall Tile is a versatile and sustainable wall decoration inspired by the ocean’s depths. Crafted with hexagonal tiles featuring intricate layered designs reminiscent of contour maps, this innovative product offers endless possibilities for wall arrangements. With three distinct patterns available, each hexagon seamlessly integrates to create a unified composition, allowing for easy customization and modification. Made from plexiglass, recycled plastic, and brushed stainless steel, the Abyss Wall Tile is visually captivating and environmentally friendly. One can bring the beauty of the abyss into your kitchen space with this handcrafted, flexible wall decor solution.

Designer: bioMATTERS

The MYCO-ALGA is a revolutionary 3D-printed tile system. Crafted from natural waste and living organisms, these tiles offer a unique, organic aesthetic. These tiles use sustainable processes, including 3D printing and organism cultivation to be transformed into lightweight yet sturdy tiles. Enhanced with bio-pigments from harvested algae, each tile boasts a visually striking, non-repeating pattern, resembling crawling organisms. Not only visually captivating but also 100% sustainable and biodegradable. Redefine the look of your kitchen space with MYCO-ALGA tiles—a conversation piece that’s both eco-friendly and stylish.

6. Experiment with Moroccan Tiles

Image courtesy of: BGStock72

The vibrant hues and intricate patterns of Moroccan tiles enhance the appeal of any kitchen backsplash, infusing it with a distinctive blend of geometric motifs and rich colors. These vibrant tones not only elevate the aesthetic but also imbue the kitchen design with a sense of luxury and warmth.

7. Traditional Herringbone Pattern

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

The stunning herringbone pattern elevates the appearance of any kitchen backsplash and can be created using simple tiles arranged strategically. The resulting joint lines form an intriguing pattern that injects dynamism into the walls. Herringbone consists of equally sized rectangular pieces arranged in a staggered zig-zag layout.

8. Go for Azulejos Tiles

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

Azulejo represents a style of tin-glazed ceramic tile work originating from Portugal and Spain. When used as a kitchen wall backsplash, it infuses an artistic flair, elevating the ambiance to new heights. The varied shades of blue impart a refreshing and calming effect to the wall, complementing white kitchen settings seamlessly.

9. Introduce Pastel Hues

Image courtesy of: lyulkamazur

Patterned tiles in various designs are artfully arranged to create a lively pattern, yet the beauty lies in how the soft pastel hues gracefully enhance the kitchen without overwhelming the space.

10. Chevron Patterns

Image courtesy of: irinapavlova1

In the kitchen backsplash, the chevron pattern, alternating between light and subtly contrasting shades, enhances the overall beauty. The alternating patterns introduce an intriguing element, while the darker tones add depth. Chevron, characterized by its inverted V shape, seamlessly creates a zig-zag pattern, making it a favored choice for backsplashes.

11. Glass Mosaic Tiles

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

The reflective surface of the glass mosaic enhances the kitchen’s appearance by creating reflections of its surroundings. The multicolored glass mosaic pattern creates a pixilated effect and injects dynamism into the kitchen space, adding a luxurious touch. Additionally, the ease of cleaning glass surfaces is a notable advantage, and it lends a pixelated aesthetic to the kitchen.

12. Go for a Patterned Border

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

When using patterned tiles, the overall design can appear overwhelming and busy. However, if you still desire a simple and minimalist look with patterns, consider this approach: defining the lower section of the tiles with the pattern while keeping the upper portion plain. In this example, light grey cabinets complement the design seamlessly, creating a balanced and sophisticated appearance that feels neat and refined.

13. Use Natural Stone

Image courtesy of: jamurka

Natural stone materials are highly durable, making them perfect for kitchen backsplashes. They possess unique grain patterns, ensuring each stone slab is one of a kind. This organic quality adds character to the kitchen space. For example, the backsplash, with its beautiful green and white hues, beautifully contrasts with the natural marble countertop. This timeless combination ensures an enduring style that never goes out of fashion.

14. Design the Carpet Flooring

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

While carpets inject a burst of color and pattern into any space, they’re not the most practical choice for the kitchen due to the likelihood of spills and food stains. However, if you still desire patterned flooring, patterned tiles offer a solution. These tiles can be arranged to form a permanent “carpet” on the floor. Despite the aesthetic appeal of patterned flooring, its permanence is a drawback. In this kitchen and dining area, a combination of plain and patterned tiles is used for the flooring. The position of the dining table remains fixed, breaking the monotony of the terracotta-hued tiles.

15. Add Vibrancy with Bold Color Tiles

Image courtesy of: ADDICTIVE_STOCK

Instead of opting for patterned tiles, utilize a mix of bold square tiles arranged randomly to form a dynamic composition. This approach yields a striking effect, blending warm and cool colors harmoniously.

The post How to Use Patterned Tiles in the Kitchen: 15 Ways to Uplift Your Cooking Space first appeared on Yanko Design.

Biodegradable stools and a dining table that discretely turns into a desk are among Dezeen editor-at-large Amy Frearson‘s picks of the most progressive furniture launches at this year’s Milan design week.

Furniture brands were launching new products and collections all over Milan, with some exhibiting at the Salone del Mobile furniture fair and others in showrooms and venues dotted around the city.

A few stood out for how they addressed sustainability challenges, with newly developed materials and innovative assembly methods resulting in products with a reduced carbon footprint.

Some addressed challenges relating to diversity within the design industry, while others explored how advances in technology are changing our relationships with objects.

Read on to discover 10 key examples:

A discretely height-adjustable table
Nastro by Daniel Rybakken for Alias

With remote working still the norm for many, Norwegian designer Daniel Rybakken has devised a dining table that can be easily adjusted to instead function as a seated or standing desk.

Launched at the Salone del Mobile by Italian brand Alias, the Nastro table features a concealed belt-and-pulley mechanism that allows the surface to be raised or lowered by hand without any need for electricity.

A video posted on Instagram by Rybakken reveals how easy it is to adjust.

“At the lowest height, the table’s unique features are not revealed at all, making it ideal for the home – from dining at the lowest height, to cooking food and drinks at medium height, to working with a laptop at the highest height,” said the designer.

Biodegradable furniture in an array of colours
Alder by Patricia Urquiola for Mater

Danish brand Mater has become known for its patented material, Matek, which combines waste plastic with biomaterials such as sawdust and coffee bean shells.

The brand has now developed a biodegradable blend of this heat-pressed material, thanks to the use of a bioplastic made from sugarcane. Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola has turned this into a collection of tables and stools that come in colours including terracotta and sandy yellow.

“Biodegradable plastic, in this case sugar cane, is a rapidly renewable source that can be harvested 1-2 times a year,” said Ketil Årdal, CEO of Mater.

“It naturally absorbs carbon dioxide while growing and can be decomposed by living organisms in the same way as wood or any other natural material.”

Rugs that embrace female identity
Rude Collection by Faye Toogood for CC-Tapis

Of the many products that British designer Faye Toogood unveiled in Milan, the most provocative was a range of rugs she unveiled with Italian brand CC-Tapis in her Rude Arts Club exhibition.

Featuring abstract images of male and female body parts, alongside blood-red blobs, these multi-textural carpets celebrate sex and the human form from a female perspective.

Toogood told Dezeen that she wanted to celebrate female energy and womanhood in a way that is seldom seen in the design industry.

“It’s a kind of expression of the human body – male, female, everyone – but also the sexual energy that is a big part of being human,” she said.

Lamps containing an innovative LED strip
Superwire by Formafantasma for Flos

Italian lighting brand Flos has developed a new type of LED light source, a thin and flexible strip that emits warm and homogeneous light across lengths of up to one metre.

By encasing this strip inside hexagonal glass tubes, Italian design duo Formafantasma has produced a collection of lamps featuring flawless light stripes of different widths.

Andea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin of Formafantasma said the project “represents a change of pace in LED lighting”.

“The filament obtained is, to all intents and purposes, a new light source with great potential which we will certainly use in the future,” said the pair.

A stool referencing West African culture
Euclid Stool by Limbo Accra

At a time when diversity is still sorely lacking in the design industry, Ghanain studio Limbo Accra brought a West African perspective to Milan as part of the Prada Frames symposium.

The polished and lacquered plywood Euclid Stool combines references to unfinished architecture with Euclidean geometry, exploring notions of what it means to be “in limbo”. Limbo Accra is self-producing the stool in a limited edition.

“We are always searching, pushing forward towards the unknown and the unseen,” said studio founders Dominique Petit-Frère and Emil Grip.

“The stool represents explorations that allow us to think about the realm of limbo in new ways and inspire us to continue searching.”

Seating that explores a new approach to radical design
Morphologica by Misha Kahn for Meritalia

American artist Misha Kahn has pushed furniture manufacturing to the limit with this design for Meritalia, an Italian brand best known for producing the irreverent designs of figures such as Gaetano Pesce and Mario Bellini.

Exploring what it means to be radical today, Kahn developed a sofa and armchair combining an assortment of irregular bulbous shapes, all based on forms found inside the human body.

Kahn describes it as a “shocking coach”, while Meritalia calls it “sexy more than playful”.

Furniture produced with a fabric-first approach
Hana-arashi by Nendo for Paola Lenti

Leftover fabrics and offcuts from Paola Lenti’s outdoor furniture products provided the starting point for this range of furniture designed by Japanese studio Nendo.

The project represents a departure for Nendo founder Oki Sato, who is more used to working with an object brief than experimenting with a recycled material.

The resulting collection is more colourful than Nendo’s typically pared-back, monochromatic aesthetic. The recyclable polypropylene textiles are steam-bent to create objects with playful curves, colours and overlap details.

“We sandwiched the material in wax paper and then ironed it,” Sato told Dezeen. “By controlling the pressure and heat, we noticed that it became a semi-solid fabric. That was the ‘aha’-moment.”

A sofa that nods to 1990s streetwear
Parka by Draga & Aurel for Poltrona Frau

While many designs in Milan this year paid tribute to the glamour and excess of the 1970s, Italian studio Draga & Aurel showed how furniture could lean into the casual-cool aesthetic of the 1990s.

Produced by Italian manufacturer Poltrona Frau, the sofa reinterprets the squishy padding and hooded shape of the ubiquitous jacket in soft cushion-like leather upholstery.

“The unusual elliptical shape of the backrest, which inclines to become an armrest and then a seamless seat, creates a concave or convex space that is both audacious and welcoming,” said the brand.

An intuitive table lamp made from aluminium
Set Lamp by Jamie Wolfond for Muuto

There were many examples of aluminium products on show in Milan this year, as the material becomes increasingly popular as a more recycle-friendly alternative to plastic. One of the most well-resolved was a table lamp by emerging Toronto-based designer Jamie Wolfond, for Danish homeware brand Muuto.

Designed as a giant screw, the lamp effectively communicates how to adjust the height of its shade. You simply spin this circular element to move it up or down.

“I think you need recognisable elements to communicate with people in the same way that if you’re verbalising something to someone, you have to use language they can understand,” said Wolfond.

Furniture stuffed with recycled plastic
ZA:ZA by Zaven for Zanotta

Italian brand Zanotta is one of many furniture producers exploring ways of manufacturing sofas without upholstery foam or glue, to make them more eco-friendly.

This solution, developed with Venetian studio Zaven, is instead formed of cushions that are stuffed with recycled polyester balls and strapped in place over a metal frame.

Following the launch of the initial ZA:ZA sofa in 2023, Zanotta has expanded the range with modular elements that allow for multiple configurations. A ZA:ZA bed was also introduced.

Milan Design Week took place from 16 to 21 April. See Dezeen Events Guide for more architecture and design events around the world.

The post Ten launches from Milan that explore the future of furniture design appeared first on Dezeen.

This week on Dezeen, conservation group Docomomo responded to news that actor Chris Pratt had demolished a modernist house in LA designed by architect Craig Ellwood.

In response to the demolition, Docomomo US executive director Liz Waytkus told Dezeen that unprotected modernist houses in the US are at risk of demolition as the land they sit on often holds greater value than the building’s architectural heritage.

“The problem is systemic,” she told Dezeen. “Older mid-century homes are smaller and underbuilt for their plots of land.”

“The land has become more valuable than the house, and even if people understand the value of such a home, location and land value often trump architectural significance.”

We continued our coverage of Milan design week, rounding up architect-designed furniture from the year’s biggest design event, including pieces by Zaha Hadid Design, Heatherwick Studio and Foster + Partners.

Another trend spotted at the design week was mono-material metal furniture, with designers creating striking pieces from aluminium and stainless steel.

We also rounded up a selection of recently released watches designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architects.

It included a snake-like watch designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando and timepieces informed by swimming pools, clocktowers and museums.

In other design news, car brand Tesla recalled almost all of its Cybertrucks after reports of faulty pedals causing unwanted acceleration.

“It held the accelerator down 100 per cent at full throttle,” one driver describes in a video that seems to demonstrate the issue.

In skyscraper news, Foster + Partners unveiled its design for a tiered, 62-storey-tall, supertall skyscraper on Park Avenue in New York.

Meanwhile, in Toronto, architecture studio Rafael Viñoly Architects revealed four skyscrapers and a series of public spaces in the city, which will be the studio’s first built project in Canada.

Popular projects this week included a house fronted with concrete columns by Sandy Rendel Architects, a skinny house in Japan and a barn-like holiday home in Suffolk.

Our latest lookbooks featured interiors with colourful window frames and kitchens with striking material palettes of contrasting colours and textures.

This week on Dezeen

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The post This week a modernist home was demolished by actor Chris Pratt appeared first on Dezeen.

The COALAX LANCER 300 has redefined what it means to be a top-tier travel and photography backpack, seamlessly merging state-of-the-art features with meticulous design enhancements to cater to the modern adventurer and photographer. As a self-proclaimed bag enthusiast, my extensive collection ranges across backpacks, messengers, and travel luggage in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Yet, it wasn’t until I came across the LANCER 300 that I truly appreciated what an exoskeleton with a modular design, complemented by dual multi-angle selfie rocker-arms, could offer—a photographer’s dream for capturing moments effortlessly during rugged travels or in the quiet wilderness.

Designer: COALAX

Click Here to Buy Now: $169 $299 ($130 off). Hurry, 118 of 200 left!

From the outset, the LANCER 300 impresses with its robust modular exoskeleton, providing unmatched adaptability and resilience. This allows photographers to tailor the compartments to fit a diverse array of equipment, from cameras and lenses to drones, while outdoor adventurers find its flexibility ideal for stowing varying gear like hydration packs and climbing ropes. The integration of dual multi-angle selfie rocker arms elevates its utility, enabling dynamic self-portraits and breathtaking panoramas without halting the journey. These arms, designed to withstand the elements with their waterproof build, cater to a wide range of devices, ensuring no memorable scene goes uncaptured.

Never miss a moment with the selfie-stick arm.

Enhancements in design from recent updates introduce an advanced modular system with increased customization capabilities, allowing even greater precision in configuring storage spaces to fit oversized camera bodies or additional personal gear. An innovative addition is the side flap for quick access to the backpack’s lower segment, which proves invaluable when quick retrieval of equipment is crucial, eliminating the hassle of rummaging through the top layers.

Further developments include a reinforced anti-theft system featuring cut-proof materials and strategically hidden zippers that offer an added layer of security, essential for protecting valuable equipment in high-risk areas. The ergonomic design, too, has seen improvements, with advanced lumbar support and a sophisticated strap adjustment system that enhances comfort and ensures even weight distribution during extended treks.

The bag doesn’t stop there; it incorporates a detachable power station extended by a solar panel, providing a sustainable source of energy to keep devices charged in the most remote locations. The commitment to security is robust, with lockable zippers and discreet compartments providing peace of mind. Practicality is woven into every aspect of its design, from quick-access pockets to dual-access points that allow for the easy retrieval of gear. A newly integrated LED lighting system in the main compartments ensures visibility in low-light conditions, proving indispensable for early morning or late evening shoots.

Constructed from eco-friendly materials, the brand’s commitment to sustainability is clear. It reduces environmental impact while ensuring durability for continuous, rugged use. A built-in weather cover quickly deploys to protect against sudden downpours or dusty trails, securing the backpack’s contents and providing reliability regardless of external conditions.

With each iteration, the LANCER 300 backpack adapts to meet its users’ challenging demands, integrating the latest technology and materials to deliver a more effective, secure, and comfortable experience. It stands as a sophisticated solution for anyone serious about their outdoor and photographic endeavors, blending advanced technology with thoughtful design to create a backpack that is as versatile as it is vital for the modern explorer.

Click Here to Buy Now: $169 $299 ($130 off). Hurry, 118 of 200 left!

The post Transforming Field Photography with The Ultimate Modular Backpack first appeared on Yanko Design.

The moment I laid eyes on this unique motorbike (or should I say snowmobile) it was evident the vehicle is made for the most inhospitable conditions and terrain. Perhaps, the ideal ride for post-apocalyptic times where survival of the fittest is the new order.

This is the Unitrack electric all-terrain vehicle designed and developed by Oruga SIA, a Mobility Tech startup in Latvia. The three-wheeled motorbike with three ballooned wheels employs the company’s proprietary patent-pending monotrack tech, specifically developed to take on the “diverse challenging terrains, from hot sand and muddy forests to rocky climbs and snowy landscapes.” Will it be able to disrupt the Rokon dominance, who is known for designing the most resourceful pack mules and mototractors, is something we’ll know only when the Unitrack is set to the test in real-world conditions.

Designer: Oruga SIA

If you’re thinking the vehicle is just a pipedream with just a prototype and concept designs to back its claim, well, they are prepping for a mid-2025 manufacturing deadline with sales beginning shortly after that. Oruga is accepting pre-orders for the rig that promises its ease of use for varying sectors including first responders and outdoor adventurers. Turing this thing on tight corners is a breeze as the contact point of the wheel in between bends on the sections when steering input is received. Although the vehicle has a turning radius of around 6 meters, it should be easy to maneuver in most circumstances.

It can even drive in reverse which is an added perk when you’re stuck in a tight spot. However, I’m not that convinced about the idea of a steering system turning the wheel that’s off the ground. That said, it does have some advantages compared to the existing 200cc four-stroke Rokon. There are eco-conscious selection of tools for paramedics, military and first responders. Coming onto the power delivery of the EV, it has a 90kW motor with the option to choose from two versions – Nude 150 kg and Heavyweight 300kg. The machine achieves a range of 62 miles on a single charge, and that number can be extended to 124 miles in the hybrid mode.

Oruga claims a top speed of 60mph be it driving on sand, snow, gravel or rocky climbs. Unlike the noisy gasoline-powered snowmobiles this will not disturb the peace of the wilderness since it is an electric vehicle. Surprisingly, there’s no working model right now to assess the Unitrack’s claim, but we’re expecting a version to soon be available. Most prospective buyers will only put in their hard-earned savings on this if they see a real-life demo of the thing.

The post This WILD all-terrain motorbike has tread-wheels for adventures in the most inhospitable environments first appeared on Yanko Design.